"The onset of the 'virtual office' and business travelers' ever-increasing demand for e.mail and Internet capabilities while traveling has left hoteliers searching for answers," stated John Bonaccorso, e.port's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  "With the help of user-friendly, leading edge technology, and the convenience of free-standing or wall-mounted kiosks, e.port Public Information Network provides hotel guests with a convenient, hassle-free solution."

Key to hoteliers is the fact that e.port terminals provide a revenue stream that can run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  As long as someone is logged on, the terminals are generating revenue from access and usage fees.  Users log on by simply swiping their major credit card through a reader at the terminal.  From there, they can gain high-speed access to the Internet and other on-line information, and send and receive e.mail by simply typing in their e.mail address and password.  Upon logging out, the user's time and charges are shown on the screen and billed directly to their credit card. 

Also important is the fact that hoteliers will not need to devote any time, resources, or man-hours to the terminals.  "Since e.port's Network is a combination of 'smart' computer stations linked together over the Internet, the terminals are controlled and programmed from e.port's central server.  Therefore, the terminals are unattended, self-service and completely self-sustaining," stated Bill Leonard, e.port's Vice President of Technology.

In addition, e.port can create customized screens and messages that can generate additional sales for hotels.  They can also customize prepaid ³e.cards² with the hotel's logo imprinted, that can be used for special events, trade shows, length-of-stays, and more.  "In today's competitive environment, top-notch customer service means you have to anticipate the needs of your guests before they ever check in.  Without a doubt, e.port answers this call by providing an up-to-the-minute guest service that gives hoteliers a competitive advantage," stated Bonaccorso.

A ninety-day beta test of the e.port Public Information Network has begun in the Renaissance Hotel sponsored by AlphaNet Hospitality, the world's leading provider of in-room facsimile services to premier hotels and resorts.  " We are very excited about this test and look forward to further exploring the economic viability of e.port¹s public Internet terminals,"  said D.J. Vallauri, Vice President Marketing & Business Development for AlphaNet.

In addition to hotels, e.port terminals can be found in airports and business centers as well.  The first e.port terminals appeared in the Orlando marketplace in May of 1997, starting with the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort, and at the Orlando Peabody Hotel. In partnership with Xerox Business Systems, future installations are scheduled for the Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel and the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, both at the Walt Disney World Resort as well as the Orlando Airport Marriott Hotel. These installations will propel e.port Public Information Network to the status of the largest  provider of public Internet access terminals in the Eastern U.S. 

In addition to the Orlando market, in the near future, e.port terminals will be installed in major hotels operated by the Beck Summit Hotel Management Group -- which manages over 40 properties in 23 states under every major hotel franchise.